Law Enforcement

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains a law enforcement presence on National Wildlife Refuge lands.

Law enforcement is an integral part of managing the National Wildlife Refuge System. Refuge Federal Wildlife Officers are responsible for upholding federal laws and regulations that protect natural resources, visitors, and employees. The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System Law Enforcement program is “Through Education and enforcement we protect our employees, volunteers, and visitors; safeguard the public’s investment in facilities and equipment; and protect the integrity of the habitat and the wildlife resources of the National trust resource which is the 150 million acre National Wildlife Refuge System.” Federal Wildlife Officers strive to assist visitors in understanding refuge laws and regulations, and the reasons for them.

These Federal Wildlife Officers perform many different duties as a part of their daily activities. They assist with Refuge hunts as well as inspect fishing license and creel compliance. They enforce traffic laws and investigate motor vehicle accidents. They also patrol campgrounds and picnic areas as well as other public and special use areas. They also provide support for other Refuge programs such as Fire, Biological and Visitor Services, Lastly, they provide general security for the refuge special events and assist with search and rescue.

To report a violation on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge please call 580-581-3272, at all hours. In case of emergency please call 911.

Alternatively, the National Wildlife Refuge System TIPs hotline is an effective means of reporting violations occurring on your local National Wildlife Refuge.

The TIPs line consists of a dedicated phone line and email address for reporting refuge violations.

The hotline and e-mail are monitored Monday-Friday from 8 AM until 4:30 PM, but can be used 24/7